In spiritual activities, some scholars say to do 108 rounds of the temple. Also Ashtottara Shatanamavali is chanted. A japa mala consists of 108 beads. They beat 108 coconuts while making any wish. Why is the number 108 preferred? Why is this number used in Hinduism? If we go into the details..
According to Hindu Shastra 1 in 108 is called the starting number. 0 means divine, 8 means infinite. It means that the soul knows the eternal journey. It is said that mantras and shlokas should be recited 108 times. By chanting the mantras so many times it is said that we will get closer to the divinity. 108 has special importance in Vedic science. Astrologers can tell by the number 108 how the stars affect people's lives.
The distance between the earth and the sun was multiplied by 108 at that time. If you multiply 108 with the circumference of the sun, you can know the distance between the earth and the sun. The number 108 is also important in Ayurveda. The seven main chakras in the body are based on energy centers. These are the 108 pathways or nadus that connect the Prana or Prana Shakti chakras and are said to carry life.
